Apple’s iPhone Air sold out in China almost immediately after preorders opened on October 17, according to local reports. Every color and configuration showed longer shipping times on Apple’s China store soon after sales began. The rapid sellout contrasts with a more muted early response in the United States for the same model.
China preorder demand
Customers in Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities saw the iPhone Air listed as backordered within minutes. Many online listings moved from an initial October 22 ship date to estimates of one to two weeks. Local media tracked the change by watching the Apple Store shipping estimates and by checking availability at brick-and-mortar stores. The speed of the sellout shows strong demand in China for the new slim model.
Reason for delay
Apple delayed the iPhone Air launch in China earlier after regulators and carriers reviewed the device because it uses eSIM only rather than a physical SIM tray. The three state-owned Chinese carriers received approvals to offer trial eSIM services, which cleared the main hurdle. After that regulatory green light, Apple opened preorders in the country. The step to eSIM only helped Apple achieve the thin profile of the Air, but it required carriers and regulators to update their activation systems first.
Buyer guidance now
In China, when you order an iPhone Air, you will need to wait longer than the first ship date in the world. Shipping windows are now displayed in terms of delays by color and configuration. Customers who must have a phone urgently must visit local third-party retail shops and carrier outlets to see whether they have any in stock units. Individuals willing to wait must ensure that they have preordered in the Apple Store app and track updates provided by Apple and the carrier on the procedure to activate the product.